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British Transport Police has released CCTV images of three youths who officers want to speak to about the theft of a Poppy Appeal charity box.

The theft happened around 4.30pm on Friday, 8 November, at the WH Smith shop on platform five at Crewe rail station.

CCTV images show youths in WH Smith's at Crewe station Credit: British Transport Police

Inspector Sonja Simister said: “Three youths entered the shop and, whilst two distracted the member of staff at the checkout, the third cut the zip tie securing the collection box, picked up the box and walked out of the shop.

“Once the theft was reported to us officers conducted a number of enquiries which revealed the youths got on board a train heading to Stoke on Trent.

“Further officers were deployed to Stoke, but the culprits were not on board. We believe they left the train at either Alsager or Kidsgrove.”

CCTV images show youths in WH Smith's at Crewe station Credit: British Transport Police

Insp Simister added: “This was a despicable theft, targeting a charity set up to help the families of, and remember, those soldiers who have given their lives to protect countless people across the world.

“I am determined to trace those responsible and am calling on anyone with information about the theft, or who recognises the youths pictured, to call us as soon as possible.”

The Crewe-based luxury car maker Bentley is leading a project that hopes to save hundreds of jobs.

It will work with its suppliers in a £9m scheme to boost production of parts for luxury cars.

Part of the money behind the project is coming from a Government-backed initiative aimed at safeguarding supply chains across a variety of industries.

Known as the 'Niche Luxury Vehicle Cluster Supplier Capacity Building Programme', Bentley's project is expected to create almost 400 direct jobs and safeguard more than 150 other roles.

It will be financed by £2m from the Department for Business's Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative. The other £7m will come from private partners.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: “This is a welcome boost to jobs and growth in the North West. This investment will secure Britain’s future as a world leader in both traditional and new technologies.”